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News Topical, Digital Desk : Russian President Vladimir Putin is arriving in India today after four years, accompanied by his highly secretive and heavily guarded Aurus Senat . This is the same car that is part of Putin's convoy on every foreign trip.
During the visit, Putin will hold wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, attend a state banquet and the two countries will review their special and privileged strategic partnership.
Why is Putin's car special?
The Aurus Senat is a luxury limousine built for the president and top officials in Russia. Many call it the Russian Rolls-Royce. Its exterior is heavily armored, features black glass, and offers extremely comfortable, high-tech interiors.
Earlier, Putin used a Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard Pullman , but later Russia abandoned foreign cars and started its own domestic Kortezh project , in which such ultra-luxury security vehicles are manufactured.
The car was first publicly unveiled during Putin's inauguration in 2018. It was jointly developed by Russia's NAMI Institute, Sollers JSC , and the UAE 's Tawazun Holding . Large-scale production began in 2021. In 2024, the car was also gifted to North Korea's Kim Jong Un.
Why is Aurus Senat considered 'impenetrable'?
- This car is designed to protect against extreme hazards. It features several unique safety technologies, including:
- Fully bulletproof body, which can stop even large and armor-piercing bullets.
- Protection against missile and drone attacks, which can withstand blasts.
- The ability to float in water, that is, even if the car falls into water, it can stay afloat and continue running for some time.
- Run-flat technology, which allows you to continue at high speeds even if your tyres are flat.
- To protect against chemical attacks, it has a separate air-filtration system inside it which does not allow poisonous gases to enter.
- The 4.4- litre twin-turbo V8 hybrid engine can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in around 6 - 9 seconds and the car can go up to 160 km/h.
- Inside, you get premium leather, wood finishes, climate control and a secure communication system.
What is the price?
The base model of the Aurus Senat starts at around 18 million rubles (approximately ₹2.5 crore). Putin's special armored limousine costs almost twice as much because many of its security features are classified. This version is not sold to the public. Currently, a limited civilian version is also produced, with a production volume of around 120 units annually.
When PM Modi was sitting in Putin's car
Following the SCO summit in China in September, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Putin were seated in the same Aurus Senat . According to reports, Putin waited for PM Modi for about 10 minutes, and the two leaders spoke for about an hour while traveling together in the car.
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